Abstract
Following is the Otorhinolaryngology Department report, by Kitasato University Hospital, on the use of arbekacin sulfate (ABK) and vancomycin hydrochloride (VCM) for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). From March 2005 to February 2006, we performed retrospective research on 13 cases treated with either ABK or VCM. The subjects were 13 cases in which MRSA was detected in this institute's Otorhinolaryngology Department. The cases were evaluated for effectiveness, safety and economy. VCM treatment tended to show superior efficacy over ABK treatment, but safety was found to be equal. Anti-MRSA agents were administered for 8.6 days to the ABK group, and for 10.2 days to the VCM group. The ABK group costs tended to be lower. Considering patient background, the dosage, administration period, and other relevant factors, we concluded that either ABK or VCM may be equally recommended for the initial treatment of MRSA patients.
